12/03/2024

Our Boys Matter' Programme prepares more Saint Lucian youth for future success

By Ministry of Equity

To address the issue of deviant behavior and the lack of employable skills among the nation's youth, the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), an agency under the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, has reintroduced the highly impactful Student Retreat component as part of its 'Our Boys Matter Programme.'

Hosted at the Support for Education, Empowerment and Development (SEED) center on March 1, the collaborative initiative between Massy Stores Ltd., St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (Lucelec), and the SSDF engaged community educators and potential mentors in getting young men ready for the realities of adulthood and the labour force.  

Our Boys Matter Programme Coordinator, Reynel Stephen, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academic education and real-world readiness for boys in their formative years.

"In years past, we have done retreats for students in form five and have realized that although these students are getting ready for the world of work, they know little about preparing for what is happening in their surroundings. Hence, emphasis is placed on planning this programme to ensure that the boys benefit from it".

The program targeted over 100 of the most vulnerable, marginalized, and indigent boys, from forms one to four, at eleven secondary schools in the north, the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education (CARE), and one secondary school in the south of the island.

Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) John Victorin spoke to life choices for individuals transitioning from Form 5.

"In reality, many of us end up in form 5, and we do not have a clue as to our next step in life, and the winds of life simply blow us in one particular direction or the other. Now, one cannot leave something as valuable as life to chance, so if you do not assess yourself and make solid decisions, your friend will determine where you end up".

A significant benefit of the Our Boys Matter Programme lies in its facilitation of after-school support, a critical component in providing young men with extra guidance, knowledge, personal development, professional work ethics, and support needed to successfully navigate the challenges of their current academic pursuits and future career paths.

Devante Serieux, a Form 4 participant from the Vieux Fort A-Level, shared his experience. "As a Form 4 student, I was invited to join the programme. I benefited immensely since the aim was to develop young men holistically. As part of the programme, we had periodic school visits from the programme facilitator to get updates on our progress at school and inquire about any personal challenges. Furthermore, the exposure to guidance presentations has contributed to my personal growth".

For increased impact, the Our Boys Matter programme has expanded its reach by adopting a holistic approach that extends support to other family members within participants' households. To date, the programme has successfully enrolled 105 students across the island.

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